National Game Registry

The National Game Preservation Board selects the best video games for permanent maintenance in the United States Library of Congress National Game Registry. Only games of the highest standard are chosen. Fame and popularity are not factored into selection decisions. The NGPB maintains that many great games have been commercially unsuccessful. On the other hand, popularity and commercial success do not guarantee admission in the Registry.

*STATUS UPDATE*

The NGPB has completed its review of arcade and console video games released through approximately 1983. The current phase involves arcade games released between approximately 1984 and 1993. Forthcoming phases will include console games released during this period as well as home computer games released between approximately 1977 and 1993.

1962
Spacewar!
1971
Computer Space
1972
Pong
1974
Maze War
1976
Breakout
1978
Space Invaders
1979
Asteroids
Galaxian
1980
Adventure
Battlezone
Centipede
Defender
Missile Command
Moon Cresta
Pac-Man
Phoenix
Warlords
Wizard of Wor
1981
Donkey Kong
Frogger
Galaga
Ms. Pac-Man
Qix
SNAFU
Yars’ Revenge
1982
Burgertime
Dig Dug
Donkey Kong Jr.
Joust
Pitfall!
Q*bert
Robotron 2084
Shark! Shark!
Super Pac-Man
Thunder Castle
Zoo Keeper
1983
Blaster
Discs of Tron
Donkey Kong 3
I, Robot
Jr. Pac-Man
Mappy
Mario Bros.
Pac & Pal
Pitfall II: Lost Caverns
Q*bert’s Qubes
1984
Ballblazer
Gaplus
Gremlins
Marble Madness
Rescue on Fractalus!
1985
Ghosts ‘n Goblins
Rush ‘n Attack
1986
Bubbble Bobble
Fantasy Zone
Joust 2: Survival of the Fittest
1987
Contra
Double Dragon
Galaga ’88
Pac-Mania
Rainbow Islands
Super Dodge Ball
Wonder Boy in Monster Land
1988
Double Dragon II: The Revenge
Ghouls ‘ n Ghosts
NARC
The New Zealand Story
Super Contra
1989
Final Fight
Golden Axe
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles